Smyth County School Board unanimously approves policy updates, program participation and personnel changes

The Smyth County School Board met on June 8, 2026, and by unanimous 6-0 votes approved a series of policy, program, financial and personnel actions. Vice-Chairman Paul Grinstead called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m., Clerk Amy Sykes called the roll, and Superintendent Brad Haga led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The board approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from May 11 and May 28, 2026; May payroll of $4,712,924.46 (checks #148510–148517 and electronic transfers); current invoices totaling $1,045,452.53; utilities and athletic officials payments of $93,695.54; textbook fund payments of $1,364.00; and monthly financial reports for operating, food service and textbook accounts.

On policy matters the board approved first-reading revisions to home instruction (LBD revision) and family and medical leave (GCBE_Family_and_Medical_Leave) on a motion by Lynn White, seconded by Mac Buchanan. The panel also scheduled a called meeting for June 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

School leadership reported routine program and finance updates. Julie Bear, Director of Finance, reviewed May revenue, expenditure and cash-flow figures. Superintendent Haga presented proposed revisions to the Smyth County Schools Pledge program and agreement for the 2026–2027 school year; the board took no separate, recorded vote on the pledge revisions at this meeting beyond the presentations and agenda approvals.

The board approved continued participation in the Region VII Virtual Academy and the Community Eligibility Provision for 2026–2027, and it approved continued partnership with the Elgin Dental Program and participation in the Virginia Department of Health Dental Preventive Services Program for students in PK–6. The board also approved a 2026 Media Honor Roll resolution.

Financial and operational approvals included acceptance of the VACORP self-insurance proposal for 2026–2027 and approval of a bid for Category 2 E-Rate equipment and services; the meeting record lists the approvals but does not specify vendor or dollar amounts for the E-Rate award.

After a closed session held under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§2.2-3711) to discuss personnel and other exempt matters, the board returned to open session, certified the closed session per §2.2-3712(D), and approved a slate of personnel actions by a 6-0 vote. The approvals recorded retirements for Roban Clear (Atkins Elementary) and Karen Smith (Chilhowie Elementary); resignations including Mary Abbott and Stacy Doss (Chilhowie High) and T. Logan Frye (Northwood High); a transfer of Lindsay McMahan from Oak Point Elementary (instructional aide) to Marion Elementary; and hires including Nicholas Fisher (Marion Middle School teacher), Kristin Klemm (Chilhowie High School teacher), bus drivers Chad Owens and Kimberly Parido, instructional aide Emily Pollard, Brittany Robinson (Chilhowie High School teacher) and Caitlyn Woody (district registered behavioral technician). The record also lists extracurricular hires and other staffing items.

Public comment during the meeting included remarks from Bill Stamper and an unnamed student; Superintendent Haga read into the record an email submitted by Rodney Ford. The meeting included presentations and a recognition: the board presented the 2026 VSBA Business Honor Roll certificate to Tom Bishop of Berry's Home Centers, and Marion Senior High teacher Tim Smith recognized student Mia Johnson for placing first in the VSBA Spring Art Contest.

The meeting adjourned following the approvals. A called meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.